Unless they’re part of an anti-riot squad or an actor, no one carries a shield around with them. And yet, shields of various types and sizes are a part of our life. Our homes are a shield from the storm. We may have insurance on our houses, cars, and health to shield us against financial disaster. Even in the cyber world, we protect data with firewalls and anti-virus software. In Paul’s encouragement to wear the whole armor of God, he says, “in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16, NASB95)
Unlike some other armor pieces, Paul gives us a lot to chew on. First of all, is “taking up.” Perhaps another way of understanding this is to take up and carry your shield. Always have it with you and ready to deploy if needed.
Secondly, Paul is more specific than the translation indicates. The language is more like “the shield (of) the faith.” The shield, our shield, is not generalized faith or belief. It is instead a specific faith in Jesus Christ. Positive thoughts and energy (I dislike that term, but it is in common use) do act as a kind of shield. Those are not our shields, however. For Christ-followers, our shield is faith in Christ.
And, while the flaming arrows could come from anywhere, they all have a common evil source. Subtly, Paul reminds us again that our battle is not against flesh and blood. Those arrows could come from just about anyone, family, friends, co-workers, strangers, or social media voices, but their fire and cutting ability is from Satan, the accuser. The good news is that regardless of how pointed or hot the arrow is, faith in Christ is greater still.
How does faith extinguish those flaming arrows? Because faith speaks a better word soaked in truth, righteousness, and the gospel of peace. When the enemy shouts, “you’re worthless,” faith says, “you’re loved.” When the accuser lays out our sin for all to see, faith answers, “you’re forgiven by the blood of Christ.” When rejecting words are uttered, faith reminds you of your many brothers and sisters in Christ. Our shield of faith is faith in Christ; nothing and no one else.
This faith is something we must always carry with us. We never know when the enemy may attack. We can’t set it aside for one moment. You see, Satan’s primary attack is to get you doubting your faith. But, his secondary tactic is to damage your witness by tempting you to shoot back the fiery arrows shot your way. No, we are to extinguish them, all of them.
Think of something that you’d never leave home without. There are several things I check before leaving every morning. Do I have my phone, wallet, keys, glasses, etc? The shield of faith is like one of those things. Actually, you could say the whole armor is like those “don’t leave home without” items. But for a good reason, Paul underlined this one aspect as one to always have at the ready.
How do we daily take up the shield of faith? Perhaps something as simple as a prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for the new day and stating our reliance on Him for whatever may come our way. Perhaps lifting up those challenges we see on the horizon. Or, interceding for that one person that always shoots arrows our way. You see, faith is more than something we have; it is something we do.
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